On May 11 2025 we had our Annual Parochial Church Meeting, during which our activities throughout 2024 were reviewed. Here is our deputy wardens’ report:
St George’s Church Building The beginning of the year started very well, the building was fine, and a kind benefactor paid for the new gates. All was going well, then the boilers were serviced, and we had heavy rain, water got into the church boiler and several times it had to be repaired. We cancelled three services which, we then held in Lady Wilton Hall. What happened next the boiler in Lady Wilton Hall died never to recover. The costs were horrendous for the repairs, and we had to postpone the Christmas Fair. It was a continual battle to try and keep both buildings going. We did hold the fair a week later, which was very well supported by everybody. Thank you to everybody.
We had a new boiler installed the beginning of December and everything was fine. The church heating system limped on with lots of flooding in the cellar. We paid to have the drains cleared to no success but eventually we managed to divert any flooding away from the boiler and so it limps on.
During the year, I met the Lady Mayor of Bury, Councillor Sandra Walmsley, she asked if she could visit the church and attend a service, because she didn’t know we existed. It was a lovely service in which she took part, and it was followed with light refreshments. It was the last visit of her year in office.
We held a brass band concert in St. Margaret’s, which was very successful. Besses’ Boys Band performed, St. Margaret’s was full, and it was enjoyed by everybody, especially the Junior Band. The money taken was divided between St. Margaret’s, St. George’s and BBB. Thank you to everybody who helped make the night a success.
Lady Wilton Hall as stated, had to have a new boiler, otherwise we could not generate money to keep going. We survived with some ups and downs, but we kept going.
The work continues, but unfortunately, the hall, built in 1850, needs a lot of repairs in order for us to make both the Church and the Hall viable. I did hope we could get the windows replaced before I retired but unfortunately, we haven’t raised enough money, fingers crossed for the future.
Carol and I have found this year very hard and difficult, due to sickness and family needs, we both have to resign from the post of Deputy Wardens. It has been a very difficult decision to make but we have done the job for fifteen years. Whoever takes on the roles we will help them to take over.
I want to give a big thank you to Carol Knaggs, Barbara Ashurst, both church families, Laurel Avery, David McConville, Janet Dalton, Anne Orrell, Danni Zenko, Carol Porter, Barbara Taylor and Joan Evans, people in our village and all those who donated and supported us in keeping St. George’s and Lady Wilton Hall open. We would not survive without your help.
Everybody keep well and safe in this difficult time.
Joan Knott and Carol Knaggs
St Margaret's Church Prestwich 